Steps to Refuse Unsafe Work

Every worker has the right to a safe workplace, but they also have responsibilities to keep their own workplaces safe.

Worker Rights:

1. The right to know about hazards in your workplace and how to deal with them.

What hazards exist on the worksite? What are the safety procedures that reduce risk of injury? Where are the emergency supplies? What are the emergency procedures?

You have the right to know the answers to these questions BEFORE you start working.

You have a right to know how to do your work safely and properly.

Your supervisor must make sure you know all the hazards on a worksite, and how to deal with them.

You have the right and the responsibility to receive proper training to manage any risks of getting hurt.

2. The right to participate in making your workplace safe.

See something unsafe at your workplace? Have suggestions on how to make your workplace safer? Concerned about your health and safety, or a coworker’s? Tell your supervisor. You have the right to participate in ensuring your workplace is safe.

At a smaller workplace, you can become the Safety Representative. At a larger workplace, you can join the OHS Committee as a worker representative.

3. The right to refuse unsafe work.

Don’t do any work if you are not sure how to do it safely and properly.

If your work situation puts you or others in unusual danger*, you have the right to refuse that work. Tell your supervisor.

Step 1

Stop work and report immediately to your supervisor

Step 2

Investigation begins immediately with you, your supervisor, and another worker.

Step 3

You have the right to have a union representative, OHS member, or a co-worker of your choosing, present with you during the investigation.

Step 4

You have the right to watch the investigation from a safe place.

Step 5

Your supervisor notifies you of the investigation results and the steps taken to correct the danger.

Step 6

You return to work.

Step 7

If you believe the unusual danger still exists, notify the WSCC to investigate further.